Quick Facts
- Botanical Name: Lathyrus odoratus
- Classification: Spencer
- Petal Pattern: Solid/Self
- Color Profile: White
- Fragrance: Highly Scented
- Breeder: Truslove / Kerton
- Year Introduced: 2002
- Flowering Type: Summer
Overview
'White Frills' is a pristine, pure white Spencer sweet pea that perfectly showcases the evolution of modern breeding. It is a "black-seeded" variety, which expert growers generally consider easier to germinate and cultivate than older white-seeded types. Its heavily ruffled, deeply textured petals provide a fascinating and dramatic contrast when compared to the simple, flat standards of classic heirloom whites, such as the 1901 grandiflora 'Dorothy Eckford'.
Growth Habit
Like most traditional Spencers, this is a vigorous, tall-climbing vine that requires sturdy vertical support. It produces large, voluminous blooms with highly frilled edges on strong, straight stems.
Cultivation Notes
As a standard summer-flowering variety, 'White Frills' is a "long-day" plant that requires at least 12 hours of daylight to successfully initiate blooming. To achieve the absolute best stem length and flower size, it is highly recommended to grow this variety on the cordon system. While its black seeds make initial propagation easier, growers in hot climates should be aware of one drawback: if the plant is subjected to intense heat or environmental stress, the pure white blooms can occasionally develop a slight pink tinge. Regular harvesting and deadheading are essential to keep the vine productive.
Historical Notes
This variety was bred by Truslove and Kerton and officially introduced to cultivation in 2002. It stands as a benchmark for modern white Spencers, highlighting how contemporary breeders have successfully maximized the ruffled, "frilly" aesthetic of the flower's petals compared to the antique varieties of the Victorian and Edwardian eras.
In the Garden
Grown for: Premium, heavily ruffled white cut flowers, cordon-style exhibition growing, and providing a crisp, textured neutral in the garden.
Companion Planting: Pair this luminous white with striking, darkly pigmented Spencers (like 'Almost Black' or 'Midnight') for high-contrast, contemporary floral arrangements, or blend with soft pastel varieties for a classic, romantic garden display.
